Skincare 101: Three Cornerstones for Simple yet Powerful Skincare
When it comes to skincare, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of products and trendy ingredients. But at its core, healthy, glowing skin doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, building a solid foundation with three essential steps 1. cleansing, 2. hydrating, and 3. moisturizing, will go a long way toward helping your skin look and feel its best.
Below, you’ll find a simple breakdown of these three cornerstones and why each one matters.
1. Cleansing
Why It’s Important
Cleansing is the very first step in any effective skincare routine, especially if you use makeup or sunscreen. Proper cleansing removes makeup residue, excess oil, dirt, and other impurities. Think of cleansing as hitting the “reset” button: it paves the way for the rest of your products to work their magic while letting your skin breathe.
Watch Out for Over-Cleansing
Many water-based foams and gels contain surfactants, the ingredients that give cleansers their foaming or soapy quality. While they do a great job at lifting away dirt, they can also strip your skin’s natural oils and disturb your skin’s protective hydrolipidic film if they’re too harsh. This can lead to dryness, tightness, and even trigger the skin to produce more oil as it tries to compensate for what’s been stripped away.
Choosing the Right Cleanser
Look for a product that deep-cleans effectively but doesn’t leave your skin feeling parched or squeaky. Ideally, the cleanser should:
- Maintain your skin’s acidic pH
- Preserve its natural oils and hydrolipidic barrier
- Leave your skin feeling refreshed but not tight
2. Serum or Booster That Hydrates
Why Hydration Matters
Your skin needs a balance of both water (moisture) and oils (lipids) to stay healthy. If your skin lacks adequate hydration, it may appear dull, feel tight, and develop a rough texture. You might also notice fine lines appearing more prominently when the skin is dehydrated.
How to Use a Hydrating Serum
A serum or booster formulated to replenish water content is key. Here’s how to incorporate it:
- After cleansing: Pat your face dry, leaving it slightly damp.
- Apply the serum: Press or gently pat the product onto your face and neck.
- Morning and evening: Consistent use helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and keeps it looking fresh and supple.
A well-chosen hydrating serum helps prep your skin to better absorb whatever you apply next. Think of it as priming the surface of your skin so it can soak up all the beneficial nutrients from your moisturizer more efficiently. Seek serums containing hyaluronic acids (HA) as they are typically the most effective for hydrating the skin.
3. Moisturizer
Why You Still Need Oils
In addition to water-based hydration, your skin also needs the right types of fats. Genuine, cold-pressed vegetable oils (like rosehip, jojoba, or argan oil) are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. These natural oils:
- Soothe inflammation
- Help balance sebum production
- Strengthen the skin’s protective barrier
- Prevent excessive water loss
The Best Way to Apply
Oils or oil-based moisturizers are most effective when they’re locked into well-hydrated skin. That means:
- Cleanse thoroughly.
- Apply a hydrating serum or booster.
- Finally, seal in the moisture with your moisturizer or facial oil.
By following these steps, you ensure that your skin is both hydrated from within and protected from the outside, helping you maintain a balanced, radiant complexion.
Putting It All Together
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle, yet thorough, cleansing product that respects your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Hydrate: Next, apply a serum or booster that adds a burst of hydration, especially if your skin feels tight or appears dull.
- Moisturize: Lastly, lock in that hydration with a moisturizer or facial oil that contains skin-loving nutrients and protective benefits.
By consistently following these three steps: cleansing, hydrating, and moisturizing; you can create a skincare routine that keeps your skin balanced, resilient, and glowing. Remember, the key to healthy skin isn’t about chasing every new ingredient or tool on the market; it’s about giving your skin what it fundamentally needs.
We made this really simple for you and made a Skincare routine starting kit for you. It includes our bestsellers; Oil-To-Milk Cleanser, Double Hydration Serum and Moisturising Day Cream.
With this set you can't go wrong:
